Out with the Old, in with the New: OSHA and EPA under the Obama Administration

Rallison, Todd; Fava, Andrea
(Intel, Chandler, AZ and Intel, Washington, DC)

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With arrival of the Obama Administration we are likely to see an increase in OSHA and EPA rulemaking and enforcement activity. This will be driven by new legislation pushed by the Obama Administration and adopted by Congress. During the recent campaign, President Obama pleged to strengthen occupational health and safety by increasing funding for OSHA inspections and training, issuing more standards and supporting the enactment of the Protecting America’s Workers Act, which would increase OSHA civil and criminal penalties, expand coverage to public employees and enhance protections for whistleblowers. Similarly, President Obama has indicated that EPA will receive increased budget and funding to manage its increased role in the fight against climate change. In addition, EPA will be at the forefront of efforts to address toxic chemicals, revamp the Superfund program, and tighten air and water regulations. Of course, all these changes may be slowed by the economic crisis, which will force the Obama administration to set priorities, most likely focusing on areas where there is an intersection between jobs and the environment.

Back to SESHA 31st Annual Symposium (2009)